2012 State Autism Profiles
MAINE
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 594 or 1.67% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Maine have autism. In 2010-2011, 2,646 or 8.20% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Maine for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
150 |
405 |
| Age 6-11 |
279 |
1,275 |
| Age 12-17 |
152 |
868 |
| Age 18-21 |
13 |
98 |
| Age 6-21 |
444 |
2,241 |
| Age 3-21 |
594 |
2,231646 |
Source: Reported by the State of Maine in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Table 1-2: IDEA Part B - Children with Disabilities in Maine for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
3,978 |
3,824 |
| Age 6-11 |
15,056 |
13,166 |
| Age 12-17 |
15,086 |
13,789 |
| Age 18-21 |
1,513 |
1,482 |
| Age 6-21 |
31,655 |
28,437 |
| Age 3-21 |
35,633 |
32,261 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Maine does not have an active task force on autism at this time. Pursuant to the Autism Act of 1984, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released their biannual autism spectrum disorders report in June 2007. The report outlines issues, initiatives, and proposed recommendations to improve support systems for individuals with autism. Maine DHHS has also collaborated with the Maine Department of Education and external organizations to develop an interagency strategic plan for developing an improved statewide system of care for individuals with autism.
http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dhhs/2007_autism_report.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
On April 12, 2010, Governor John Baldacci signed into law LD 1198 to mandate coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Coverage is required for individuals with autism spectrum disorder age 5 and younger. Coverage for ABA is subject to an annual maximum of $36,000, but there are no limits on the number of visits to an ABA provider. Coverage for other services are not limited by dollar or number of visit caps. This new law applies to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2011.
MEDICAID
Maine Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: ME Services for Children w/ID and/or Pervasive Developmental Disorders
This waiver, implemented on February 1, 2011, provides home support, respite, communication aids, consultation, home accessibility adaptations, and transportation for individuals up to age 21 with autism and mental retardation. This waiver expires on January 31, 2014.
Maine Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: ME Home & Community Services for Adults w/ID or Autistic Disorder
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2010, provides services including community support, home support, work support, communication aids, consultation, counseling, crisis assessment, crisis intervention, employment specialist services, home accessibility adaptations, non-traditional communication consultation, non-medical transportation, non-traditional communication assessment, specialized medical equipment and supplies, and speech therapy for individuals 18 and older with autism and mental retardation. This waiver expires on June 30, 2015.
EDUCATION
On May 23, 2011 Governor Paul LePage signed H.B. 546 into law, creating a work group within the Department of Education to provide recommendations on how to ensure teachers and paraprofessionals that work with children with autism are highly qualified. The work group is required to file a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature on December 7,2011 and the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs is authorized to introduce legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.
In April 2008, the Governor John Baldacci signed into law L.D. 1977. The law requires the Maine DHHS and the Department of Education to collaborate and develop statewide protocols for the diagnosis of autism for children ages 18-30 months old through the Child Development Services System, and to provide an early intensive treatment program for each diagnosed child.
Statewide Program Model
On June 8, 2009, the governor signed L.D. 280 into law, requiring the Department of Education to develop a program model for children with autism spectrum disorder to be used statewide in elementary and secondary schools. The Department submitted a report on the subject to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in late 2009.
http://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/?q=V18N1_Cobo-Lewis
OTHER STATE RESOURCES
On June 2007, Governor John Baldacci signed into law L.D. 1801, changing the definition of autism and eligibility for services provided by the Maine DHHS. The law defines autism as a person with a diagnosis of autism per DSM-IV and assessed by the department with a score within at least 2 standard deviations below the mean on the adaptive behavior scale. Services may be provided to individuals with autism who exhibit substantial limitations in at least three of the following areas: communication, self-care, self-direction, and capacity for independent living and learning.
In May 2011, Gov. Paul Richard LePage signed H.B. 302 into law. The new law requires the Department of Health and Human Services to complete the redesign of shared living and other home foster care services for adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities and autism by April 15, 2011.
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
TheMainelegislature meets annually on the first Wednesday in December for the first regular session and on the first Tuesday in January for a second session. The Second Regular Session of the 125th Maine State Legislature convened on January 3, 2012 and adjourned on May 31, 2012. The 126th Maine State Legislature is expected to convene on January 2, 2013 and is expected to adjourn in June of 2013.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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